The Campaign for Delta State nearing $40 million

Delta State University and the Delta State University Foundation are now entering the final phase of the organizations’ major fundraising initiative. The Campaign for Delta State, the largest single fundraising effort in the university’s history, was publicly announced by President William N. LaForge during his inauguration address in November of 2013.

With a goal of $40 million, the campaign is chaired by Ned Mitchell and Delta State University President Emeritus Kent Wyatt, both of Cleveland.

LaForge noted, “I am very pleased with the progress and soon-to-be announced conclusion of this fundraising campaign that will have a significant impact on Delta State. The transformational nature of this effort will touch untold numbers of students and programs on our campus.

“I am deeply grateful to all participating alumni, friends, businesses and foundations for the wonderful support they have demonstrated. These donors — and the dollars they have delivered — matter greatly to Delta State University. I am also especially appreciative for the leadership President Emeritus Wyatt and Ned Mitchell have provided the campaign.”

By the end of February, over $39 million in private support had been secured. According to Delta State University Foundation Chief Development Officer Gary Bouse, the backing has resulted in the creation and enhancement of scores of scholarship funds, strengthened academic programs, supported new initiatives to benefit faculty, staff and students, and propelled community and regional partnerships.

“Over 225 new funds have been created during the campaign, including 140 new scholarship funds,” said Bouse. “Donors continue to recognize the importance of supporting our students.”

Bouse added that the campaign has benefitted every academic unit on campus and provided a wealth of both on-campus and out-of-class experiences for Delta State students. In addition, the university recently celebrated a gift of approximately $4 million from the estate of Robert Smith for the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing.

Delta State University Alumni and Foundation Executive Director Keith Fulcher said, “The fact that over 25,000 gifts have been made to the campaign in support of Delta State University speaks volumes to the loyalty of our Delta State family.”

The campaign was originally scheduled to conclude in June of 2015, but members of the campaign’s steering committee hope to achieve the goal by Aug. 31, 2014. Leaders of the committee, including Mitchell, also emphasize that in this final push to reach the $40 million goal, gifts of every size are vitally important for ultimate success.

“The Delta State Foundation Board is pleased to claim that 100 percent of our board members are donors to the campaign,” said Mitchell. “I am equally as impressed that 100 percent of the staff members in the Alumni and Foundation offices are donors to the campaign as well. I invite everyone to consider supporting the university by making a gift to The Campaign for Delta State and to support the area of your choice.”

To make a gift to Delta State University, go online to www.deltastategiving.org or contact the Delta State University Foundation at 662-846-4709 to learn more about other giving options.